RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 4 July 2021 – Lesson 44
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TOPIC: Sweet Sleep (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 4 July 2021)
MEMORY VERSE: “The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.” – Ecclesiastes 5:12
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 3:21-24 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 4 July 2021)
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
INTRODUCTION: Sleep is a state of natural muscle relaxation and periodic suspension of consciousness (reduced interactions with surroundings). Like everything else God has made, sleep is good but can also be greatly abused. Can we sleep too much, too little, and how important is sleep?
- WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SLEEP?
- WHY IS SLEEP IMPORTANT?
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SLEEP?
The Bible says good sleep is the result of faith and trust in God (Psalm 4:8; 127:2). Sweet sleep is a reward for good labour (Ecclesiastes 5:12; Proverbs 3:24). Sleep is one of the medium through which God communicates with man (1Kings 3:5). However, the Bible says that it is not good to love sleep (Proverbs 20:13); sleep too much (Proverbs 6:9-11); sleep at the wrong time ( Ecclesiastes 3:1; Matthew 26:40-46); deprive oneself of sleep for inordinate ambitious pursuit of wealth (Ecclesiastes 8:16; Psalm 127:1-2). Sleep is something portrayed as a gift from God in passages such as Proverbs 3:24 and Psalm 4:8.
2. WHY IS SLEEP IMPORTANT?
Sleep is a good thing. One possible explanation for our need for sleep is that sleep reminds us that we are creatures, not the Creator. Our physical bodies must be constantly replenished with food, water, oxygen, and sleep in order to continue functioning. We know that sleeping is part of being a healthy person because Jesus had to sleep just like we do (Luke 8:23; Mark 1:35). Sleep is a basic human need and essential for good health, boosts memory, aids body system against infections, replenishes the body, and improves immune function. It is also essential for good quality of life and performing well during the day (better productivity and concentration).
Sometimes, God spoke to people while they slept through dreams and visions (Matthew 2:13,19; 1Kings 3:5). Too much of sleep, however, is bad (Proverbs 10:5).
CONCLUSION: Sleeping at the right time and in the right proportion is good for the health of every believer.
QUESTIONS:
- What does the Bible say about sleep?
- What makes sleep important?
ASSIGNMENT: Mention five points why some people have problems with sleep.
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?